2018 AFL Round 2 Betting Preview: Odds, Game Trends, Week Analysis

The 2018 AFL season started off in scintillating fashion last weekend, with three games decided by under three goals, but it was Melbourne Demons' heartbreaking loss to Geelong Cats on Sunday that provided the best finish and the best contest of the opening round.

The Demons, who missed out on playing in the finals by percentage only last season, were slow starters in this one but fought back from 27 points down at the main break to give themselves a chance of starting the season with a stirring comeback win.

Ruckman Max Gawn had a chance to put Melbourne in front with just eight seconds remaining, but when his kick went wide, it was Geelong who were celebrating in their skipper Joel Selwood's 250th game.

Selwood worked in tandem with his old partner in crime, Gary Ablett Jr., who returned to the Cats lineup for the first time since 2010. What a return it was, as the little master accumulated 39 disposals and a goal.

This week, Ablett and his team-mates will be back at the MCG for their traditional Easter Monday clash with Hawthorn Hawks, who were far too strong for Collingwood Magpies last Saturday night.

The Hawks are set at $2.35 AUD on the betting lines, while the Cats, who are set to welcome back 2016 Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield, are in at $1.60 to get their second win in as many games, according to AustralianGambling.

That game is the last of the round, but it is the first bout of the round, the Grand Final rematch between Adelaide Crows and Richmond Tigers, that has taken all the limelight this week.

The Crows led by 20 points at the seven-minute mark of the final term last week, but that was when Essendon Bombers kicked into gear, booting six of the last seven goals to run out winners by 12 points.

Despite running out of steam last week, it is the hosts who hold favouritism for the Adelaide Oval blockbuster.

Last season's runners-up are $1.60 to get some revenge for the loss in last year's decider, with their conquerors on the big day out at $2.35 to get their first win over the Crows at the venue since 2014.

The following day, North Melbourne Kangaroos ($3.16) are big outsiders when they host St Kilda Saints ($1.36) at Etihad Stadium, while Carlton Blues ($1.47) and Greater Western Sydney Giants ($1.39) are also favoured to get the four points over Gold Coast Suns ($2.70) and Collingwood Magpies ($3), respectively, in the first two games on Saturday.

The Demons are $1.37 on the AFL Round 2 betting lines to bounce back into the winner's circle against Brisbane Lions ($3.10) on Saturday night, and the Bombers are $1.58 to get the win over Fremantle Dockers ($2.39).

Sydney Swans ($1.42) started their season in impressive fashion with a win over West Coast Eagles last week, next up they play Port Adelaide Power ($2.90) on Sunday, who were far too strong for Fremantle in the first round.